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Horse  Training 

by 

Modern  Methods 


BY 

Allan  Melvill  Pope, 

First  Lieutenant  of  Cavalry,  U.  S.  Army. 


1912. 

FEANKLIN  HUDSON   PUBLISHING   CO;, 
KANSAS  CITY,  MO. 


Copyright,  1912, 

By  Frankliu  Hudson  Publishing  Co.. 

Kansas  City,  Mo. 


FOREWORD. 


The  object  of  this  book  is  to  arrange  in  the  most 
convenient,  clear,  and  concise  form  the  modern  system 
of  horse-training,  in  so  far  as  it  is  applicable  to  the  train- 
ing of  horses  in  the  mounted  sen^'ce  of  the  United  States. 

No  attempt  has  been  made  in  any  case  to  improve 
upon  methods  already  deemed  correct  l)y  the  best  horse- 
men ;  and  as  such  methods  can  be  found  dealing  with  all 
points  of  training,  it  follows  that  the  subject  matter  in 
this  book  is  not  original.  Where  the  best  was  to  be 
found,  there  it  has  been  sought,  and  where  the  authors 
of  previous  works  have  expressed  their  ideas  in  language 
considered  the  most  concise  and  clear,  their  words  have 
been  copied  verbatim,  with  due  acknowledgement  to  the 
authors. 

I  am  indebted  to  the  following  for  methods,  theories, 
translation  of  technical  terms,  and  improvised  commands 
herein  contained: 

To  Major  George  H.  Cameron,  14th  Cavalry, 

Captain  W.  C.  Short,  13th  Cavalry, 

3 


4  Fore:word. 

Captain  Guy  V.  Henry,  Cavalry, 
1st  Lieutenant  Gordon  Johnston,  Cavalry, 
1st  Lieutenant  Joseph  F.  Taulbee,  2d  Cavalry, 
The  late  Captain  M.  Horace  Hayes,  F.R.C.V.S., 
Edward  L.  Anderson, 
James  Fillis,  i 

Captain  de  Saint-Phalle, 
Azotes  d'Bquitation-Carouseles  Militaire, 
Sauinur  Notes  (English  translation  of  the  above)  ; 
and  to  Col.  Haddens  W.  Jones,   loth  Cavalry,  for  val- 
uable assistance  and  advice. 


PREFACE. 


Nothing  within  this  book  is  believed  to  be  beyond 
the  reach  of  the  mounted  service  in  general. 

The  time  allotted  to  "breaking"  or  gentling  will  be  in 
many  cases  eliminated,  as  the  present  system  of  remount 
stations  has  become  well  established. 

Each  troop  should  have  three  or  four  such  articles 
as  longes  and  cavessons.  These  articles  can  be  made 
very  easily  by  saddlers  and  blacksmiths,  from  a  model. 
Models  can  undoubtedly  be  procured  through  the  ]Mount- 
ed  Service  School  at  Fort  Riley,  Kansas,  or  from  any 
saddlery  store,  care  being  taken  in  purchasing  from  the 
latter  to  determine  whether  the  model  is  a  correct  one 
or  not. 

In  many  cases  the  reasons  for  the  use  of  certain 
aids^  etc.,  are  apparent,  and  all  explanation  is  omitted. 
In  other  cases,  where  explanations  involve  nice  points  of 
mechanics,  etc.,  they  have  likewise  been  omitted.  The 
reason  for  the  latter  omissions  being  that  they  are  in- 


6  PRH^AC^. 

teresting  to  the  student  only.  'The  real  student  of  horse- 
training  can  only  be  one  who  enjoys  such  work.  Many 
officers  do  not  enjoy  it,  and  this  book  is  intended  for  all. 

In  view  of  the  fact  that  all  the  methols  embodied 
herein  are  well-recognized  mehods,  I  trust  readers  will 
take  for  granted  that  they  conform  to  the  mechanical 
principles,  etc.,  omitted. 

As  riding  cannot  be  taught  by  books,  no  attempt 
is  made  to  do'  so  here.  Officers  instructed  in  riding  at 
the  Mounted  Service  School  are  returned  to  their  reg- 
iments every  year,  where,  by  their  example  and  ability  to 
instruct,  they  can  accomplish  far  more  than  any  liter- 
ature on  the  subject;  but  where  riding,  as  regards  the 
seat,  cannot  be  readily  forgotten,  points  of  training  a 
horse  can ;  and  it  is  for  such  as  forget,  or  for  such  as 
have  had  nothing  or  little  to  forget,  that  this  book  is 
intended. 

As  to  riding,  it  might  be  of  interest,  however,  to 
some  to  note  that  the  following  cautions  have  been  found 
to  be  a  frequent  necessity  while  training  horses  with  en- 
listed men  up : 


Don't  yank  upon  3^0111-  horse's  mouth. 

Keep  your  hands  low  and  your  wrists  supple. 

Don't  stick  your  knees  up  in  the  air. 

Grip  with  your  knees  and  the  calf  of  your  leg. 

Let  your  stirrups  out  (for  most  men). 

Carry  your  legs  back. 

Don't  let  your  reins  flop. 

Don't  hollow  out  your  back. 

Don't  let  your  horse  back  up  (unless  the  movement 
is  a  retrograde  one). 

Drive  him  forward. 

Don't  let  him  bend  his  neck  at  the  shoulder. 

Use  your  leg  (or  legs). 

Don't  be  rough  with  your  horse. 

New  horses  sent  to  a  post  should  be  turned  over  to 
one  competent  officer  with  assistants,  if  necessary,  for 

1 

training.  If  necessary  to  assign  them  to  troops  to  assure 
proper  care  and  grooming,  orders  should  be  given  that 
they  be  exercised  only  by  direction  of  the  officer  in 
charge.  Enlisted  men  specially  suited  for  training  horses 
should  be  detailed  under  the  above-named  officer's  di- 


8  Prei^ac^. 

rection.  Only  such  enlisted  men  should  be  detailed  who 
will  not  be  discharged  or  detailed  on  other  duty  until 
the  training  ceases.  The  training  should  continue  for 
not  less  than  six  months.  Horses  should,  when  possible, 
be  assigned  trainers  who  belong  to  the  organization  to 
which  the  horses  are  assigned,  the  rider  being  assured, 
if  possible,  that  the  horse  will  be  assigned  to  him  after 
the  training  is  over. 

Two  officers  can  train  with  reasonable  satisfaction 
seventy-five  horses,  if  given  one  hour  and  a  half  per  day 
six  days  a  week,  in  the  riding-hall.  As  the  number  of 
horses  in  the  riding-hall  at  a  time  go  over  fifteen  the 
difficulties  increase. 

In  case  it  be  impossible  for  new  horses  to  be  un- 
der the  direction  of  one  officer,  organization  commanders 
should  keep  the  horses  out  of  ranks  an  equal  period,  and 
undertake  the  same  training  with  competent  men. 

Hard-trotting,  uncontrollable  Jiorses,  uncomfortable 
to  ride  and  weak  in  muscular  activity,  result  from  lack 
of  training. 


/ 


Prk^ac^.  9 

From  practical  work  with  enlisted  men,  it  has  been 
found  that  there  is  little  difficulty  in  teaching  them  the 
kinds  of  aids,  with  their  proper  names,  and  the  use  and 
form  the  various  exercises  take.  The  manner  in  which 
they  apply  their  aids  and  perform  the  exercises  varies 
with  the  individual's  ability  to  ride  and  aptitude  for 
training. 

When  Part  TL  is  undertaken,  the  difficulties  increase. 
The  difficulties  do  not  lie  in  the  use  of  the  double  rein, 
which  the  men  soon  become  accustomed  to,  but  in  un- 
derstanding the  flexions  and  the  delicate  use  of  the  aids 
required  in  these  exercises  and  in  the  changes  of  lead 
at  the  gallop. 

As  hands  are  a  most  important  element  in  Part  II., 
it  is  not  surprising  that  men  wdio  have  ridden  perhaps 
less  than  three  years  should  have  difficulty. 

Part  II.  should  not  be  abandoned,  either  because  of 
the  difficulties  inherent  to  the  exercises  or  because  of  the 
lack  of  proper  epuipment.  The  use  of  a  double  bridle 
improvised  from  a  watering  bridle  and  a  regulation  bit 


10  Preface:. 

is  preferable  to  the  use  of  a  single  curb  immediately  suc- 
ceeding the  work  with  the  snaffle  alone. 

To  some  it  may  seem  that  confusion  exists  as  to  ar- 
rangement of  the  facts.  The  scheme  of  arrangement  is 
as  follows : 

A  man,  in  training  a  horse,  can  begin  work  on  the 
horse  with  what  he  finds  in  the  beginning  of  this  book, 
and  as  the  horse  progresses  he  need  only  progress  in  his 
reading  to  find  new  exercises.  Certain  defmitions  and 
explanations  are  requisite  to  a  proper  understanding  of 
an  exercise.    These  are  necessarily  interpolated. 

If  the  reader  will  consider  the  difficulties  in  setting 
forth  such  facts  in  a  logical  sequence,  he  will  perhaps 
be  more  lenient  in  his  criticisms  of  this  book,  although 
criticism  is  expected  and  sought. 

A.  M.  P. 

Manliiis,  N.  Y.,  August,  191 1. 


CHAPTER  I. 


Early  Handling. 

Object  of  Training — Horse-training  is  a  series  of 
exercises  to  render  the  horse  obedient  and  at  the  same 
time  to  preserve  and  develop  his  inherent  qualties.  It 
is  a  muscular  training  which  by  suppling  the  parts  will 
strengthen  the  entire  body,  and  by  balancing  the  horse 
will  develop  harmony  in  his  movements. 

New  Horses. — New  horses  should  be  exercised  dai- 
ly, at  first  being  led  by  men  on  foot,  and  later  by  men 
mounted  on-  quiet  horses.  The  exercise  should  be  at  a 
walk,  and  is  used  to  quiet  and  strerugthen  the  animals. 
When  leading  a  young  horse  mounted,  the  side  upon 
which  he  is  led  should  often  be  changed  to  avoid  giving 
a  false  set  to  the  neck. 

Care  of  New  Horses. — ^The  young  horse  should  have 

flannel  bandages  om  his  fore  legs  when  exercised,  from 

the  fetlock  to  the  knee,  to  support  the  P.exor  tendons  and 

II 


12  HoRSK  Training  by  Modern  Methods. 

to  keep  the  horse  from  hitting  himself,  thereby  often 
causing  spHnts. 

After  exercising,  the  legs  should  be  rubbed  and  the 
tendons  massaged,  then  washed  with  cool  water  and  flan- 
nel bandages  applied.  The  tendons  are  thereby  support- 
ed and  wind-puffs  and  swellings  prevented. 

Hozv  to  Adjust  a  Bandage. — A  bandage  should  be 
wound  up  with  the  tapes  inside.  Unroll  six  or  eight  inch- 
es of  it,  and  lay  this  loose  portion  obliquely  across  the 
outside  of  the  leg,  close  to  the  knee,  with  the  end  reach- 
ing to  about  the  center  of  that  joint,  and  the  rolled-up 
part  turned  to  the  outside,  and  directed  downward  and 
forward.  The  beginning  should  be  continued  around 
the  fetlock  and  upper  part  of  the  pastern,  and  brought 
back  close  up  below  the  knee.  The  loose  end  is  then 
turned  down,  and  the  folds  of  the  bandage  carried  over 
it.  The  tapes  are  tied  a  little  above  the  center  of  the 
cannon  bone.     (Hayes.) 

To  Approacli  an  Uncertain  Horse. — To  go  up  to 
an  uncertain  horse  which  is  held  or  tied  up  in  the 
open,   approach   the   fore   leg   on   the   near   side   at   an 


HoRSK  Training  by  Modern  Methods.  13 

angle!  of  about  70  degrees  to  the  direction  of  the  axis  of 
the  horse.  Having  reached  his  shoulder,  place  a  hand 
on  his  crest  and  stroke  the  mane.  When  a  certain  de- 
gree of  confidence  is  restored  to  the  liorse,  further  hand- 
ling may  be  undertaken. 

To  Lead  a  Horse  zvith  the  Snaffle,  and  to  Adjust 
Snaffle  — To  lead  a  horse  with  a  snaffle  mounted  or  dis- 
mounted, pass  both  reins  through  the  near  snaffle  ring 
if  the  horse  is  to  be  on  the  ofif  side.  Jn  placing  the  snaffle 
bridle  upon  a  fractious  horse,  place  the  reins  first  over 
the  neck,  if  possible.  If  the  horse  objects  to  having 
the  head-stall  put  on,  unfasten  the  left  check-strap  from 
the  ring  of  the  snaffle.  Place  the  head-stall  in  position, 
then  put  the  bit  in  the  mouth  and  refaste*n  the  cheek- 
strap.  If  impracticable  to  remove  the  halter  before 
bridling  the  horse^  place  the  bridle  on  over  the  halter, 
then  unfasten  the  halteir,  slip  the  nose-band  down  over 
the  nostrils,  then  into  the  mouth  and  aroimd  under  the 
bit  and  out  of  the  mouth.     The  halter  will  then  fall  off. 

Longeing. — The  following  principles  must  be  con- 
sidered when  longeing: 


14  HoRSK  Training  p.y  Modern  Methods. 

1.  The  horse  must  be  controlled  by  the  longe;  the 
only  function  of  the  whip  is  to  move  the  horse  forward. 

2.  The  length  of  the  longe  should  be  frequently 
changed.  The  horse  should  alternately  stretch  himself 
on  a  large  circle  and  bend  himself  on  a  small  circle. 

3.  The  gaits  should  frequently  be  changed.  (Notes 
d'Hquitation.) 

Method  of  Longeing  a  Horse. — Start  the  longe- 
ing  exercise  without  the  longeing  whip.  Place  the 
cavesson  on  the  horse,  if  possible,  after  the  halter  has 
been  removed^  or,  if  a  bridle  is  on  the  horse,  over  the 
bridle.  Fasten  the  longe  into  the  ring  of  the  cavesson. 
Face  the  same  way  the  horse  faces  and  walk  near  his 
head,  leading  him  by  a  short  longe  in  a  circle  to  the  left ; 
right  hand  on  the  longe  near  the  horse's  head,  longe  in 
the  left  hand,  not  coiled,  but  arranged  so  that  in  running 
out  quickly  it  will  not  become  entangled  or  pinch  the 
fingers. 

If  the  horse  refuses  to  lead,  an  assistant  may  urge 
him  forward  as  quietly  as  possible  from  the  rear.  As 
the  horse  becomes  accustomed  to  being  led,  gradually 


HoRSK  Training  by  Modern  Methods  15 

lengthen  the  longe  and  drop  back  sHghtly  from  the  head 
of  the  horse,  toward  his  shoulders.  Cluck  to  the  horse 
to  urge  him  forward.  Use  the  hand  to  make  motions 
for  the  same  purpose  or  tap  him  lightly  with  the  hand 
on  his  side,  in  case  the  horse  refuses  to  go  forward.  If 
the  horse  turns  toward  the  trainer,  shake  the  longe  so 
that  it  lightly  taps  the  nose  on  the  side  of  the  horse 
which  should  be  toward  the  center  of  the  circle.  Grad- 
ually, as  the  horse  learns  what  is  wanted,  the  trainer 
moves  so  that  the  horse  circles  about  him,  first  at  a  slow 
gait,  then  at  the  trot,  and  finally,  when  more  proficient, 
at  the  canter  an;d  gallop. 

To  slow  down  the  gait,  use  the  voice  soothingly  and 
shake  the  longe  up  and  down  gently.  To  stop  the  horse, 
a  series  of  motions  of  the  longe  up  and  down,  with  a 
strong  pull  on  the  longe  as  it  comes  down,  will  have  the 
greatest  effect.  The  word  "whoa"  should  frequently 
be  used  in  this  movement.  When  the  horse  obeys,  he 
should  be  caressed. 

When  a  horse  will  go  to  the  left  on  the  longe,  even 
at  the  walk,  he  should  be  practiced  going  to  the  right  un- 


i6  Horse  Training  by  Modern  jMethods. 

til  equally  capable  on  that  hand.     A  horse  should  not  be 
longed  until  fatigued. 
Use  of  the  Longe, — 

1.  To  exercise  young  horses  without  injury. 

2.  To  give  first  lessons  to  horses  difficult  to  manage. 

3.  For  horses  that  hold  back  or  fight. 

4.  For  horses  with  one  shoulder  more  developed 
than  the  other. 

5.  For  horses  that  will  not  work  equally  well  on 
either  hand. 

6.  For  horses  that  bend  themselves  with  difficulty. 

7.  For  the  first  lessons  in  jumping.  (Notes  d'Bqiii- 
tation.) 

The  Snaffle  Bit. — As  early  as  possible,  a  bridle  and 
snaffle  bit  should  be  put  on  the  horse. 

The  snaffle  is  a  very  mild  bit  because  it  acts  mostly 
on  the  lips  and  only  a  little  en  the  bars.  The  faults  of 
the  hand  are  therefore  less  prejudicial  to  the  tender 
mouth  of  the  new  horse.  When,  in  the  course  of  train- 
ing, the  horse  becomes  familiar  with  the  snaffle  bit,  he 
may  be  prepared  for  the  double  bridle  by  the  use  of  the 


HoRSi:  Training  by  Mode:rn  Me:thods.  17 

double  snaffle,  a  bit  which  is  known  not  to  be  dangerous 
and  which  gives  the  rider  more  action  upon  the  horse. 
The  double  snaffle  should  properly  be  composed  of  a 
snaffle  without  branches  and  a  "Boucher"  snaffle.  The 
double  snaffle  also  is  useful  in  the  case  of  a  horse  that 
leans  on  the  hands ;  the  remedy  consisting,  in  this  case, 
of  producing  action  either  by  alternate  effects  which 
make  each  snaffle  bit  felt  separately,  or  by  cross-eflfects 
obtained  by  the  action  of  one  snaffle  bit  on  one  side  and 
the  other  snaffle  bit  on  the  other  side. 

Saddling  New  Horses. — New  horses  should  be  made 
accustomed  to  equipment  while  they  are  first  exercised 
by  leading  or  when  on  the  longe ;  first  by  the  blanket  and 
surcingle,  then  by  the  saddle  being  placed  on  their  back. 
The  saddle  is  put  on  first  without  stirrups,  th6n  with  stir- 
rups crossed,  and  then  with  the  stirrups  hanging.  The 
girth  should  at  first  be  tightened  slightly,  and  afterwards 
readjusted,  if  necessary,  during  the  exercises,  A  nerv- 
ous horse  should  be  longed  a  little  before  placing  the 
saddle  on  his  back. 


i8  Horse:  Training  by  Modern  Methods. 

A  horse  should  not  be  mounted  for  the  first  time  on 
the  same  day  he  is  first  saddled. 

Mounting  the  New  Horse. — When  first  mounting, 
the  rider  should  get  into  the  saddle  as  handily  and  quick- 
ly as  possible,  without  being  particular  as  to  exactness. 
An  assistant  stands  facing  the  horse.  The  rider  slaps 
the  saddle,  lets  the  stirrups  drop  against  the  sides  of  the 
horse,  and  then  takes  up  the  reins,  leaving  them  very- 
long.  In  case  the  liorse  backs  up  or  tries  to  move  away, 
the  assistant  leads  him  gently  up  to  where  he  was  before 
and  the  rider  tries  to  mount  again. 

If  the  rider  believes  that  the  horse  will  make  violent 
resistances,  he  can  insure  his  seat  by  having  a  rolled 
blanket  strapped  to  the  pommel  of  the  saddle,  to  keep  his 
knees  in  place.  With  a  horse  very  difficult  to  mount, 
where  there  is  danger  of  severe  resistance,  the  horse 
should  be  snubbed  up  to  a  strong,  quiet  horse.  »Snubbing 
is  only  resorted  to  in  cases  where  longeing  and  quiet 
handling  have  failed  to  bring  about  the  desired  results. 

With  very  restless  animals,  the  assistants  stand 
squarely  in  front  of  the  horses  and  simply  caress  the 


Horse:  Training  by  Modi^rn  Me:thods.  19 

animals'  heads  wittiout  holding  the  reins.  If  a  horse  is 
very  restless,  and  the  cavesson  has  to  he  used,  it  should 
be  in  the  hands  of  an  experienced  man. 

The  following  is  a  position  often  taken  for  mount- 
ing a  restless  artimal:  Take  the  reins  of  the  snaffle  in 
the  left  hand,  and  with  the  same  hand  catch  hold  of  the 
mane  at  about  the  middle  of  the  neck  so  that  there  is  a 
slight  tension  on  the  reins.  Take  hold  of  the  pommel 
of  the  saddle  with  the  right  hand  and  mount,  taking  care 
that  the  left  toe  does  not  touch  the  horse  when  mount- 
ing. Above  all  things,  avoid  bustling  the  horse  when 
Sitarting;  for^  if  he  is  led  to  expect  this,  he  will  never 
stand  quietly  to  be  mounted.  Sometimes  feeding  a  horse 
oats  from  a  pan  while  he  is  being  mounted  causes  him 
to  stand  quietly. 

First  Lessons  after  Mounting  — Never  require  any- 
thing from  the  horse  mounted  for  the  first  time.  If  he 
walks  straight  ahead,  it  is  sufficient.  Keep  the  reins 
separated  and  feel  lightly  the  snaffle.  Ride  the  horse 
a  few  times  around  the  hall  to  the  right  and  to  the  left, 
leaving  him  as  free  as"  possible,  if^  of  course,  he  is  quiet. 


20  Horse:  Training  by  Modern  Methods. 

If  the  horse  does  well,  dismount  and  feed  him  carrots, 
if  they  can  bel  supplied,  or  a  handful  of  oats.  Carrots 
ought  alwawys  be  cut  lengthwise  and  never  across ;  ir  the 
latter  case  they  might  stick  in  the  animal's  throat. 

Resistances. — Among  the  most  violent  resistances 
are  bucking  and  rearing.  , 

If  the  horse  attempts  to  buck,  press  him  forward 
with  the  legs  and  hold  his  head  high.  The  rider  is  more 
easily  displaceld  if  the  horse  bucks  in  place.  If  the  rider 
is  not  able  to  make  the  horse  go  forward,  he  should  turn 
him  to  the  right  or  left  with  the  snaffle  bit.  As  all 
horses  have  a  soft  and  hard  side  to  their  mouths,  when 
resistance  is  encountered  in  turning  to  the  right,  the  at- 
tempt should  be  made  to  turn  him  to  the  left. 

When  a  horse  rears,  separate  the  reins,  and  take 
hold  of  the  mane  in  the  left  hand  at  about  the  middle 
of  the  neck.  Lean  forward,  and  when'  the  horse  comes 
down  again,  push  the  body  back  into  its  place  by  quickly 
straightening  the  arm. 


CHAPTER  ir. 


EqUIIvIBRIUM. 

A  little  mn«5t  be  understood  about  equilibrium  before 
the  aids  can  properly  be  mastered. 

Direct  Bquilibrium. — This  relates  to  the  balance  of 
the  horse  when  the  center  of  gravity  is  moved  forward 
or  backward.  The  fore  legs  of  the  horse  are  used  for 
translation,  the  hind  legs  for  propulsion.  The  horse 
naturally  bears  more  weight  upon  his  fore  legs  than  upon 
his  hind.  The  center  of  gravity,  then,  is  nearer  the  fore 
quarters  than  the  hind,  which  is  therefore  favorable  to 
the  forward  movement  of  the  horse. 

If  the  weight  of  the  horse,  by  changing  the  positioni 
of  parts  of  the  body,  brings  the  center  of  gravity  to- 
wards the  rear,  it  is  more  favorable  for  the  backward 
movement. 

When  the  center  of  gravity  is  forward,  the  fore  legs 
control  the  movement  of  the  mass,  and  the  hind  legs 

21 


22  Horse  Training  by  IModkrn  Me:thods. 

merely  propel.  When  the  center  of  gravity  moves  back- 
ward, the  hin(d  legs  become  more  and  more  masters  of 
the  control  of  the  movement  of  the  mass,  and  their  ac- 
tion then  is  from  thq  ground  up  as  well  as  from  rear  to 
front  as  before.  Ih  other  words,  the  movements  gain 
in  height. 

Position  of  a  Horse  for  the  Forward  Movement. — 

1.  When  a  horse  wants  to  move  forward,  he  natur- 
ally puts  himself  in  the  most  favorable  position ;  conse- 
quently he  throws  his  weight  forward  to  his  shoulders, 
and,  to  do  this,  stretches'  out  his  head  and  neck. 

2.  To  obtain  the  forward  movement  and  the  ac- 
celerations in  gait  then,  the  rider  must  Idt  the  horse  ex- 
tend and  lower  his  head  and  neck:  similarly  he  must 
raise  them  to  obtain  the  slower  gaits. 

3.  A  horse  must  ahvays  he  ready  to  carry  himself 
forivard.  This  is  the  most  important  rule  in  equitation. 
The  tendency  to  move  forward  is  called  ''impulsion." 
Without  impulsion  we  can  have  no  influence  over  the 
direction.     {De  Saint-Phalle.) 


HoRSF,  Training  py  Modern  Me:tiiods.  23 

The  horse  must  go  into  the  bridle.  Nearly  every 
vice  and  resistance  offered  by  a  horse  is  preceded  and 
made  possible  by  the  animal  getting"  behind  the  bit;  that 
is,  he  refuses  to  face  the  bit,  or  take  the  pressure  of  the 
bit,  so  that  the  rider's  hand  can  find  nothing  by  which 
he  can  enforce  his  demands.     {Anderson.) 

Lateral  Bquilibriuni. — This  relates  to  the  balance  of 
a  horse  when  the  center  of  gravity  is  moved  sideways. 
It  is  a  case  where  the  horse  is  made  to  load  one  shoulder 
or  one  haunch  or  all  onie  side  more  than  the  other.  It 
is  used  for  changes  of  direction,  parallel  displacements, 
etc.  The  horse  being  in  motion,  if  we  force  him  to  car- 
ry the  weight  of  his  forehand  to  one  side,  the  entire  fore- 
hand tends  to  be  displaced  to  the  same  side.  This  dis- 
placement of  the  horse  is  obligatory  if  that  of  the  center 
of  gravity  is  sufficienjth^  accentuated. 

The  Aids. 
V/Jiat  Are   the  Aids? — The   aids   are  the  different 
means  employed  by  the  rider  to  convey  his  desires  or 
intentions  to  the  horse.     (Notes  d' Equitation.) 


24  HoRSD  Training  by  Modern  Methods. 

The  I.KGS. 

The  Stirrups. — The  stirrups  should  be  so  adjusted 
that  the  tread  of  the  stirrup  is  le^^el  with  the  top  of  the 
heel  when  the  rider  is  mounted  and  seated  properly. 
When  the  stirrups  are  too  long,  as  with  the  ''fork  seat," 
the  rider  is  unable  to  use  his  legs  with  strength  and  ac- 
curacy. With  the  stirrups  too  short  the  rider's  knees  are 
too  high,  the  seat  is  forced  too  far  back  and  he  is  unable 
to  sit  down  in  the  saddle ;  hence  is  less  secure. 

Position  of  the  Foot  in  the  Stirrup. — At  least  one- 
third  of  the  foot  should  be  inserted  in  the  stirrup ;  the 
heel  should  be  sliglitly  lower  than  the  toe  an'd  the  ball 
of. the  foot  should  rest  upon  the  tread.  (Notes  d'Bqni- 
tation.) 

The  following  are  the  uses  to  which  the  legs 
are  put : 

1.  To  produce  the  forward  movement. 

2.  To  range  the  haunches. 

3.  To  bring  the  hind  legs  forward  under  the  body. 
The  Equal  Action  of  Both  Legs. — The  most  import- 
ant duty  of  the  legs  is  to  act  together  for  the  purpose  of 


Horse  Training  by  Mode:rn  Methods.  25 

giving  or  sustaining  impulsion.  This  action  should  com- 
mand the  forward  movement  and  its  acceleration.  To 
obtain  this  result,  the  legs  can  act  by  simple  pressure  of 
the  knees  or  by  pressure  of  the  knees  and  calves.  The 
pressure  of  only  the  knees  is  sufficient  with  delicate 
horses,  l)ut  with  others  the  pressure  of  the  calves  has  to 
be  added  to  that  of  the  knees.  The  more  energetic  the 
pressure  and  the  farther  behind  the  girths  it  is,  the  great- 
er the  result  produced.  Usually  the  action  of  the  leg  is 
strong  enough  if  it  is  placed  against  or  a  little  in  rear 
of  the  girth.  If  the  action  there  is  not  sufficient,  it 
may  be  carried  back  a  little^ — never,  however,  to  reach 
an  angle  of  45  degrees.  The  perfection  to  aim  at  is  to 
have  the  leg  move  almost  imperceptibly  and  vary  its  ef- 
fects only  by  different  shades  of  pressure;  but  with  a 
horse  that  does  not  respond  sufficiently  to  the  demands, 
it  becomes  necessary  to  carr}^  the  leg  back  a  little  by 
bending  the  kn^e  and  keeping  the  heels  low.  The  in- 
clination of  the  leg  to  an  angle  of  45  degrees  is  the  very 
maximum,  which  it  is  unscientific  and  useless  to  pass  or 
even  to  reach,  so  that  if  the  action  of  the  leg  is  not  ef- 


26  Horse  Training  ey  Modi;rn  AItcthods. 

ficacioiis  under  these  conditicms,  we  must  turn  to  more 
energetic  methods.  But  httle  trouble  is  experienced  in 
teaching  riders  not  to  carry  the  legs  too  far  back.  The 
reverse  is  usually  the  case. 

The  above  method  failing,  the  next  to  try  is  consec- 
utive thumpings  with  the  calf  of  the  leg,  not  very  pro- 
nounced, but  repeated  until  the  result  sought  is  obtained. 
At  the  instant  the  legs  should  cease  their  action,  and 
should  repeat  it  only  when  the  need  again  is  felt. 

If  this  means  is  not  sufficient,  there  is  nothing  to  do 
but  come  to  blows  with  the  legs.  These  are  executed 
by  slightly  carrying  to  one  side  the  calf  and  ramming 
it  against  the  horse  with  a  violence  proportionate  to  the 
result  to  be  obtained.  This  movement  ought  to  be  done 
without  raising  the  knees  or  sticking  them  out,  the  lower 
part  of  the  legs  being  independent  of  tlie  rest  of  the  body 
in  order  that  the  seat  and  the  hand  be  not  deranged. 
This  manner  of  getting  action  upon  the  horse  ought  not 
to  be  continued  for  a  long  time,  even  if  its  effect  is  not 
sufficient  or  lasting.  Like  every  violent  movement,  this 
one  ought  to  be  exceptionfal,  and  rather  than  repeat  it 


HoRSK  Training  ijy  Modern  Methods.  27 

frequently,  it  is  better  to  have  recourse  to  short,  ener- 
getic action  of  the  spurs. 

It  is  very  necessary  to  avoid  the  frequent  fault  of 
using  the  leg  after  sufficient  action  has  l^een  gotten  out 
of  the  horse  or  of  continuing  the  demands  when  they  are 
already  obeyed.  Tlien  the  impulsion  of  the  horse  is  aug- 
mented in  a  manner  prejudicial  to  the  desired  result, 
which  necessitates  the  action  of  the  hand  to  oppose  the 
augmented  impulsion  falsely  ordered  by  the  legs. 

Unequal  Action  of  the  Legs. — When  one  leg  is  used 
more  than  the  otlier^  the  haunches  are  displaced  to  the 
opposite  vside.  The  horse  is  then  said  "to  range  his 
haunches."  This  effect  is  often  useful  in  preventing  the 
horse;  from  slipping  out  sideways,  in  straightening  him, 
and  in  making  him  change  directions,  etc. ;  but  its  great- 
est utility  lies  in  permitting  the  rider  to  range  the  haunch- 
es and  traverse  the  horse,  which  movements  are  essential 
to  the  main  instruction  in  the  mental  and  physical  sup- 
pling of  the  horse. 

The  rules  for  the  use  of  both  legs  apply  equally  well 
to  the  use  of  one  leg,  as  regards  place  of  contact  and 


28  HoRSF,  Training  by  Modern  Methods. 

manner  of  graduating  the  intensity  of  action.  {''Equal 
Action  of  Both  Legs  and  Unequal  Action  of  the  Leg," 
from  ''Elementary  Equitation,"  by  De  Saint-Phalle.) 

To  Bring  the  Hind  Legs  Porivard  Under  the 
Horse. — Due  to  contraction  of  the  muscles  prockiced  by 
the  tickhng  sensation  of  the  leg  or  spur  upon  the  side, 
the  horse  mechanically  brings  his  hind  legs  up  under  the 
body  when  so  forced.  This  bringing  up  of  the  hind  legs 
places  the  control  of  the  movement  of  the  mass  in  their 
power,  because  the  center  of  gravity  is  nearer  their  base. 
Hence  the  leg  movements  become  more  elevated,  the 
speed  less  fast,  and  the  horse  more  handy  and  more  eas- 
ily controlled. 

.  Mutual  Support  by  the  Legs. — If  one  leg  acts  to 
range  the  haunches,  the  other  should  receive  the  mass  to 
limit  and  control  the  movement.  Both  legs  should  be  at 
all  times  close  enough  to  the  horse  to  act  accurately, 
quickly,  and  without  abruptness  in  order  to  assist  each 
other. 

When  a  Horse  Is  "Behind  the  Legs." — When  a  horse 
refuses  to  move  forward  after  the  equal  action  of  both 


HoRvSe:  Training  by  Modern  Me:thods.  29 

legs  is  produced,  he  is  said  to  be  ''behind  the  bit"  and  Hke- 
wise  "behind  the  legs.''  A  horse  in  this  state  is  beyond 
the  control  of  the  rider,  and  every  means  should  be  ex- 
erted to  force  the  horse  with  the  legs  up  into  the  bit 
again. 

The  Spur. — The  spur  should  not  be;  used  until  the 
seat  is  secure.  If  the  pressure  of  the  calves  of  the  legs 
is  sufficient  to  command  impulsion,  the  spur  should  not 
be  resorted  to. 

Resistances  are  provoked  if  the  spur  remains  in  the 
side  continuously,  and  the  animal  becomes  disobedient 
and  on  the  defensive.  Continued  contact  should  be, re- 
placed by  repeated  contacts  of  short  duration  of  an  inten- 
sity to  fit  the  case. 

The  length  of  the  spur  varies  with  the  length  of  the 
stirrup-leathers,  the  length  of  the  leg  of  the  rider,  and 
the  form  of  the  horse.  A  general  rule  is  that  the  spur 
should  be  of  such  a  length  as  to  be  easily  used  with- 
out danger  of  unintentional  usage  during  sudden  dis- 
placements. 


30  Horse  Training  by  Modern  Methods. 

The  Reins. 

In  the  training  of  the  horse  the  reins  should  be  held 
in  two  hands.  vSin^le  reins  should  be  held  as  prescribed 
in  the  Cavalry  Drill  Rgiilations. 

The  following'  important  rule  should  always  be  ob- 
served :  The  pressure  of  the  rider's  legs,  or  of  his  heels, 
must  always  precede  any  action  of  the  hand;  in  other 
wordsi,  the  bit  does  not  go  back  to  the  horse,  but  the  horse 
goes  forward  against  the  bit. 

It  has  been  shown  that  by  the  action  of  the  legs  im- 
pulsion is  produced  in  the  horse,  which  causes  a  stretch- 
ing of  the  neck  to  the  front  in  order  to  begin  or  accel- 
erate the  forward  movement.  If  as  the  head  and  neck 
stretch  out  the  forward  movement  of  the  bit  in  the  mouth 
is  arrested  by  the  hand,  the  bit  is  brought  into  stronger 
contact  with  the  bars  of  the  mouth,  which  produces  its 
action.  The  action  of  the  reins  is  thus  produced  after 
the  action  of  the  legs'  has  produced  its  efTect. 

Kinds  o^  Reins.     {De  Saint-Phalle.) 
Open  Rein. — This  rein  is  used  in  turning  the  horse. 
The  right  rein,  for  example,  is  said  to  be  open  if  the 


Horse;  Training  by  Modern  MpvThods.  31 

right  hand  is  carried  to  the  right  and  front.  Reinis  are 
so  used  for  the  particular  effect  they  have  upon  the 
horse's  head.  The  need  of  them,  is  felt  especially  in  the 
training  of  green  horses^  but  also  with  a  horse  that  re- 
fuses to  turn  and  carries  his  head  in  the  opposite  direc- 
tion from  that  in  which  the  rider  desires  him  to  go. 
When  the  right  rein  is  open,  the  horse's  head  will  be 
drawn  to  the  right  and  he  will  be  assisted  in  moving  in 
that  direction. 

Direct  Rein. — This  rein  acts  parallel  to  the  axis  of 
the  horse  without  intermediary  actions  upon  the  neck. 
Reins  used  in  this  manner  bring  a  little  of  the  V;  eight  to 
the  side  on  which  they  act,  which  with  an  obedient  horse 
suffices  to  make  him  turn  to  that  side.  Tt  is. also  used 
in  turning  the  horse's  head  at  the  poll  so  that  the  horse 
may  look  in  the  direction  toward  which  he  is  going. 

Rein  of  Support. — The  right  rein,  for  example,  is 
called  the  right  rein  of  support  when  the  right  hand 
moves  from  right  to  left  and  the  right  rein  hence  bears 
against  the  neck.  It  has  different  effects  according  to 
the  point  towards  which  its  action  is  directed.     For  ex- 


I 

32  HoRSiC  Training  by  Modern  Me;thod3. 

ample,  if  the  hand  is  moved  towards  the  front  of  or  over 
the  left  shoulder,  the  efiect  is  to  bring  the  weight  of  the 
forehand  towards  that  shoulder;  or  if  the  direction  of 
the  right  rein  of  support  passes  in  rear  of  the  withers, 
the  effect  is  felt  by  the  increased'  weight  on  the  left 
haunch;  or  if  the  action  of  the  rein  in'  this  direction  is 
sufficiently  strong,  it  can  either  lead  to  the  displacement 
of  the  haunches  towards  the  left  by  setting  the  left 
shoulder,  or  displace  simultaneously  the  shoulders  and 
the  haunches  towards  the  left  by  pushing  the  horse  en- 
tirely to  that  side. 

The  effect  of  the  rein  of  support  is  extremely  power- 
ful in  preventing  the  horse  from  slipping  out  on  its  side, 
or  in  restraining  the  horse  from  turning  in  the  opposite 
direction. 

Rein  of  Opposition. — If  the  rider  opens  the  right 
rein  slightly  and  pulls  either  in  the  direction  of  the  right 
haunch  or  the  direction  of  the  left  haunch,  the  rein  is 
called  the  right  rein  of  opposition.  He  is  then  said  to 
set  the  shoulders  in  opposition  to  the  haunches.  {Notes 
d'Bquitation.) 


Horse  Training  by  Modern  Methods.  33 

General  Rule. — A  general  rule  is,  that  at  all  times 
contact  is  kept  with  the  mouth  by  the  reins  through  the 
medium  of  the  bit.  The  reins  never  flop.  There  are 
two  exceptions  to  this  rule  allowable:  during  complete 
abandon,  as  at  the  walk;  and  momentarily,  during  flex- 
ions, as  will  be  shown  later. 

The  Seat. — The  seat  is  an  aid  when  it  changes  the 
support  of  the  body  from  one  buttock  to  the  other  to 
assist  the  horse  in  lateral  movements.  This  movement 
helps  to  carry  the  center  of  gravity  of  the  horse  to  the 
side  toward  which  the  movement  is  desired.  Similarly 
an  increase  in  the  weight  placed  on  one  stirrup  is  an  aid. 

The  upper  part  of  the  body  by  leaning  forward  or 
back  likewise  assists  the  horse  in  moving  the  center  of 
gravity  forward  and  back. 


CHAPTER  III. 


Thk  Forward  MoyEmknt. 

The  horse  being  now  able  to  be  mounted,  the  fol- 
lowing exercises  may  be  undertaken: 

The  horses  are  taken  into  the  riding-hall,  if  available, 
and  the  riders  instructed  to  work  without  regard  to  dis- 
tances. It  is  a  bad  plan  to  work  in  groups,  especially 
with  younjg  horses,  as  they  soon  become  accustomed  to 
remaining  in  ranks  and  refuse  to  leave. 

The  forward  movement,  as  has  been  stated,  is  the 
most  important  lesson  in  training,  and  it  is  continually 
taught  during  the  erytire  course  of  instruction. 

The  Walk. — To  take  the  walk  from  the  halt,  both 
legs  should  be  made  to  be  felt,  gradually  increasing  their 
intensity  until  the  setting  in  motion  is  produced.  The 
fingers  and  wrists  give,  to  allow  the  neck  to  stretch  out. 
The  horse  should-  be  set  inl  motion  in  the  direction  of  his 

34 


HoRsi:  Training  by  Modkrn  Mietiiods.  35 

axis  by  symmetrical  use  of  the  aids.  The  movement 
should  be  smooth,  but  without  hesitancy. 

In,  order  to  keep  the  start  from  being  sudden,  the 
energy  displayed  in  the  use  of  the  leg  should  conform  to 
the  degree  of  sensitiveness  of  the  horse.  The  movement 
can  be  kept  from  being  hesitatingly  performed  by  pro 
gressively,  but  without  hesitancy,  usdng  such  force  as  the 
legs  should  have,  and  by  giving  the  reins  with  the  fingers 
and  wrist  at  the  precise  moment  the  neck  tries  to 
stretch  out. 

The  Trot. — This  is  the  most  advantageous  gait  to 
take  during  the  first  lessons>,  because: 

1.  It  starts  the  horse  straight  ahead  and  helps  to 
bring  him  in  hand. 

2.  Horses  are  less  restless  at  this  gait. 

3.  It  is  a  natural  pace. 

4.  It  is  a  good  suppling  exercise  for  the  horse. 
The  trot  is  not  a  fatiguing  pace  to  the  horse.     He 

can  go  a  long  distance  continuously  at  a  fair  rate  of 
speed  at  this  gait,  because  both  fore  and  hind  legs,  re- 
spectively, have  the  same  amount  of  work  to  do,  and  the 


36  HoRSBv  Training  by  Modern  AIethods. 

body  can  be  easily  maintained  in  a  state  of  equilibrium, 
as  it  is  supported  by  diagonal  supports. 

The  rider,  if  in  the  flat  saddle,  except  at  slow  gaits, 
should  rise  to  the  trot  during  this  exercise.  The  diag- 
onal on  which  the  rise  is  made  should  frequently  be 
changed. 

The  lightntess  of  the  horse  only  comes  with  further 
training.  The  rider  up  to  this  point  tries  little  by  lit- 
tle to  bring  the  horse  under  control  by  the  following 
exercises : 

1.  Moving  to  the  front  at  a  walk,  then  a  trot. 

2.  Increasing  and  decreasing  gaits. 
3»     Halting. 

To  Halt. — To  execute  this  movement,  lean  back 
slig^htly  and  gradually  increase  the  pressure  of  the  bit 
on  the  mouth  until  the  movement  slows  down  and  grad- 
ually stops.  Both  legs  should  at  the  same  time  be  carried 
back  to  assist  the  horse  in  bringing  the  haunches  up  under 
him.  The  horse  should  neither  raise  nor  lower  his  head. 
The  whole  mass  of  the  neck  should  move  toward  the 
withers. 


HoRSK  Training  by  Modern  Methods.  37 

Halting  the  horse  should  often  be  practiced  with 
horses  possessing  a  high,  powerful  croup  and  with  those 
inclined  to  forge  ahead  at  all  times.  Those  inclined  to 
fret,  those  whose  legs  are  well  set  up  under  them,  and 
those  thalj  are  difficult  to  keep  up  into  the  bit  should  sel- 
dom be  halted. 

Especially  during  these  lessons  must  the  rider  pay 
strict  attention  to  the  even  tension  of  the  rein.  At  first 
the  rider  must  do  all  the  work — that  is,  must  tighten  the 
reins ;  but  later  the  horse,  having  become  accustomed  to 
the  pressure  of  the  bit  and  always  having  the  idea  of  go- 
injg  straight  ahead,  will  of  his  own  accord  keep  the  reins 
taut. 

The  Gallop. — Almost  invariably  the  gallop  lesson 
should  be  begim  early.  This  is  an  additional  means  of 
suppling  the  horse,  of  strengthening  him,  extending  him, 
and  pushing  him  straight  ahead.  It  would  be  stupidity 
to  gallop  frequently  on  a  colt  that  drags  his  legs  and'  is 
disunited  at  a  trot  and  that  has  difficulty  in  holding  up 
the  part  essential  to  the  training.  On  the  other  hand, 
it  isi  proper  to  gallop  repeatedly  on,  a  vigorous  horse  that 


38         ,HoRSs:  Training  by  Modern  Methods. 

has  been  worked  before  purchase,  or  on  the  horse  with 
good  strong  legs,  particularly  after  he  has  been  thorough- 
ly confirmed  in  the  correct  trot.     (Notes  d' Equitation.) 

To  Take  the  Gallop  by  Extending  the  Trot. — To  ac- 
complish this  movement,  the  rider  needs  only  to  take  the 
trot  and  by  the  use  of  both  legs  to  push  this  gait  up  to 
the  poiilt  where  the  horse  leaves  it  to  pass  into  the  gallop. 

To  accomplish  this  without  undue  increase  of  speed, 
put  the  horse  on  a  circle  of  six  or  seven  yards  radius, 
first  trot  around  this-  and  then  lengthen  the  trot  until  the 
horse  escapes  into  the  gallop.  When  he  is  calm  and  the 
rider  feels  confidence  in  himself,  the  rider  may  leave  the 
circle  and  rejoin  the  track  on  the  same  hand. 

As  long  as  the  rider  does  not  wish  to  make  abrupt 
changes  of  direction,  but  gallops  on  a  large  circle  or  on 
the  track,  it  makes  little  difference  whether  the  horse  is 
galloping  true  or  false,  and  it  is  useless  for  the  rider  to 
bother  about  the  leads  at  this  stage  of  the  training.  (De 
Saint-Phalle.) 

When  the  horse  begins  to  understand  the  gallop  and 
takes  it  calmly,  the  correct  lead,  which  is  explained  on 


Horse:  Training  by  Mode:rn  Methods.  39 

page  61,  may  be  undertaken,  at  present,  by  the  following 
aids :  Both  legs  to  increase  the  gait  from  the  trot  to  the 
gallop ;  outside  rein  to  prevent  tli^  haunches  from  swing- 
ing to  the  outside  and  which  precludes  the  liability  to  a 
false  lead 

{Note. — "Outside"  always  means  the  outside  of  a 
circle,  or,  if  on  the  track,  the  side  towards  the  wall.) 


CHAPTER  IV. 


* 
Mechanism  of  the;  Gaits. 

The  Walk. — This  is  a  movement  of  four  beats,  and 
is  a  pace  in  which  all  the  leg's  move,  respectively,  one 
after  the  other.  If,  for  instancy,  the  left  fore  leads,  the 
sequence  is : 

1.  Left  fore. 

2.  Right  hind. 

3.  Right  fore. 

4.  Left  hind. 

If  the  near  hind  begins,  it  will  be : 

1.  Left  hind. 

2.  Left  fore. 

3.  Right  hind. 

4.  Right  fore. 

Each  foot  comes  to  the  ground  after  the  one  that 

precedes  it  at  an  interval  of  about  half  the  time  occupied 

taking  onie  step.     The  result  of  this  is  that  we  have  the 

following  order  of  supports : 

40 


Horse  Training  by  Modern  Methods.  41 

1.  Right  laterals   (right  fore  and  right  hind). 

2.  Right  diagonals  (right  fore  and  left  hind). 

3.  Left  laterals. 

4.  Left  diagonals. 

As  a  rule,  a  horse  begins  the  walk  with  a  fore  leg. 
(Hayes.) 

The  Trot. — This  is  a  movement  of  two  beats.  The 
diagonal  feet  are  on  the  ground  at  the  same  time.  The 
order  of  supports  is : 

1.  Right  diagonal. 

2.  Moment  of  suspension. 

3.  Left  diagonal. 

4.  Moment  of  suspension. 

The  Pace. — This  is  a  movement  of  two  beats,  like 
the  trot,  except  the  support  is  by  the  laterals  instead  of 
the  diagonalsi.    The  order  of  supports  is: 

1.  Right  lateral, 

2.  Moment  of   suspension. 

3.  Left  lateral. 

4.  Moment  of  suspension. 


42  Horse  Training  by  Modern  Methods. 

The  Gallop. — The  gallop  is  an  iinsymmetrical  gait 
of  three  beats.  It  is  called  unsymmetrical  because  the 
two  front  legs  make  diissimilar  movements,  likewise  the 
two  hind.  Two  different  combin(ations  take  place,  which 
are  called  "gallop  right"  and  "gallop  left."  The  moment 
of  taking  each  new  point  of  support  is  called  a  beat. 

In  the  gallop  right  the  points  of  support  are  taken 
in  the  following  order: 

1.  Left  hind. 

2.  Left  diagonal  (left  front,  right  hind). 

3.  Right  front. 

4.  Moment  of  suspension. 

The  gallop  lelft  is  as(  follows : 

1.  Right  hind. 

2.  Right  diagonal   (right  front,  left  hind). 

3.  Left  front. 

4.  Moment  of  suspension. 

A  horse  galloping  right,  for  instance,  seems  to  have 
the  right  legs  always  in  front  of  the  left.  The  rider  can 
tell  by  seeing  if  tha  right  shoulder  is  further  advanced 
than  the  l^ft.  If  the  horse  gallops  right  in  front  and  left 
behind,  the  rider  can  feel  an  unusual  stiff  movement  be- 
neath him. 


CHAPTER  V. 


Changks  of  Direction. 

The  horse  being  able  to  move  forward  and  to  de- 
crease and  inScreasie  gaits  with  reasonable  accuracy, 
changes  of  direction  may  be  undertaken. 

First  Exercise. — The  horse  being  at  the  walk,  force 
the  horse  forward  with  both  legs,  use  the  open  rein,  and 
if  he  moves  off  at  an  angle  oblique  Ijo  the  originial  di- 
rection, although  the  divergence  may  be  small,  it  is 
satisfactory. 

Second  Exercises. — The  horse  being  at  the  walk,  usie 
the  right  or  left  leg  to  help  carry  the  haunches  around 
to  the  left  or  right ;  use  the  right  or  lecft  rein  of  opposi- 
tion to  turn  the  horse  to  the  right  or  left  irp  a  direction 
perpendicular  to  the  oiriginal.  The  rein  of  opposition  is 
used  to  combat  the  haunches  with  the  shoulder.  The 
horse  not  yet  knowing  the  meaninjg  of  the  preponderant 
use  of  one/  leg  of  the  rider,  the  shoulder  combating  the 

43 


44  HoRSK  Training  by  Modern  Methods. 

haunch  will  make  the  haunch  swing  around,  and  if  the 
hors|e(.  every  time  he  is  obliged  to  swing  his  haunches 
by  the  rein  of  opposition,  feels  the  rider's  leg  on  that 
side,  he  will  begin  to  associate  the  use  oi  the  leg  with  the 
swinging  of  the  haunches. 

Third  Exercise. — As  the  horse  begins  to  under- 
stand the  meaning  of  the  use  of  one  leg,  gradually  lessen 
the  use  of  the  rein  of  opposition  as  an  open  rein,  until 
it  finally  becomes  a  direct  rein,  used  only  to  turn  the  head 
slightly  in  the  njew  direction.  As  the  rein  of  opposition, 
or  open  rein,  is  diminished,  supposing  it  to  have  been  the 
right  rein,  gradually  bring  into  play  the  left  rein  of  sup- 
port to  force  the  fore  quarters  to  the  right  in  the  new 
direction.  As  to  the  legs :  Have  both  ready  to  main- 
tain the  impulsion,  and  each  ready  to  act  singly  in  case 
the  hind  feet  do  not  foll(ow  in  the  track  of  the  fore  feet 
in  making  the  change  of  direction.  The  hind  legs  being 
the  propellers,  and  the  maximum  of  power  being  always 
desirable,  for  purely  mechanical  reasons  the  greatest 
power  of  the  hind  legs  is  obtained  when  they  follow  in 
the  same  path  as  the  fore  legs,  during  turns. 


Horse:  Training  by  Modern  Me:thods.  45 

{Note. — The  third  exercise  should  not  be  undertaken 
until  the  horse  has  accomplished  most  of  the  exercises 
of  Lateral  Equitation,  explained  in  following  chapters.) 

Abouts,  circles,  figures  of  eight,  and  serpentines  are 
exercises,  named  in  order  of  difficulty,  which  may  be  un- 
dertaken to  accomplish  the  same  result  as  the  above 
exercises,  with  greater  exactness.  All  these  exercises 
should  be  practiced  at  the  walk  until  proficient  before 
attempting  them  at  the  slow  trot.  The  rider  sits  the 
slow  trot. 

The  About  on  the  Forehand  at  a  Halt. — With 
horses  that  are  naturally  impulsive  and  are  continually 
endeavoring  to  forge  to  the  front,  abouts  on  the  forehand 
from  the  halt  may  be  practiced  at  this  stage  of  the  train- 
ing. With  horses  of  exaggerated  impulsiveness  it  may 
sometimes  be  undertaken  earlier.  The  exercise  should 
come  later  for  less  impulsive  horsesi.  The  movement 
should  always  be  completed  by  moving  the  horse  straight 
to  the  front.  The  about  on  the  forehand  should  always 
be  about  the  inside  leg  as  a  pivot,  for  otherwise  the  move- 
ment is  a  retrograde  one  and  tends  to  put  the  horse  be- 
hin4  the  bit. 

/ 


46  Horse;  Training  by  Modern  Methods. 

It  must  be  understood  that  at  this  stage  of  training, 
that  is,  during  lateral  equitation  {explained  on  page  50), 
the  about  on  the  forehand  is  not  a  finished  movement. 
The  aids  to  be  used  are:  To  execute  an  about  on  the 
forehand  to  the  right;  both  legs  to  arouse  impulsion;  the 
right  leg  to  swiiig  the  haunches;  the  right  rein  of  oppo- 
sition to  assist  the  right  leg;  the  left  rein  to  assist  the 
right  in  its  second  function  of  preventing  the  horse  from 
moving  forward.  The  left  leg  is  always  ready  to  pre- 
vent the  horse  from  backing. 

About  on  the  Forehand  (Dismounted), — With  some 
horses  that  are  particularly  difficult  to  teach  the  use  of 
the  leg  as  an  aid,  dismounted  work  may  be  resorted  to. 
Short  lessons  only  sihould  be|  given. 

Working  on  the  left  side,  seize  the  reins  six  or  eight 
inches  from  the  bit  in  the  left  hand.  Stand  facing  the 
horse  and  with  the  riding-whip  touch  him  in  rear  of  the 
girth  where  the  rider's  leg  would  ordinarily  come  when 
used  as  an  aid.  Increase  the  force  of  the  whip,  begin- 
nling  with  light  taps,  until  the  horse  swings  his  haunches 
away  from  the  whip.    The  left  hand  prevents  the  horse 


Horse  Training  by  Modern  Methods.  47 

moving  either  forward  or  backward.  If  at  first  the 
horse  fails  to  move  his  haunches,  he  may  be  assisted  in 
doing  so  by  bringing  the  head  sHghtly  toward  the  side 
of  the  trainer.  This  opposes  the  head  to  the  haunches 
and  assists  the  actioni  of  the  whip. 


CHAPTER  VI. 


Outdoor  Work. 

From  the  moment  the  horse  will  go  straight  ahead 
outdoor  work  is  in  some;  cases  a  necessity  and  in  all  cases 
to  a  greater  or  less  extetit  desiirable. 

Horses  which  tend  to  get  behind  the  bit  or  which  do 
not  let  themselves  out  should  frequently  have  outside 
work  alterrnated  with  hall  work.  The  horse  being  grad- 
ually educated  to  a  good  free  trot  should  be  given  them 
outdoors,  allowing  time  enough  between  trots  for  the 
horse  to  assume  normal  breathing.  Outdoor  work  should 
take  placq  with  normal  horsies  two  days  a  week. 

All  horses  need  fresh  outdoor  air  occasionally. 

Horses  that  are  inclined  to  bolt  or  forge  ahead  con- 
tinually, or  tho'se  that, throw  most  of  the  weight  on  the 
forehand,  need  much  more  hall  work  than  outdoor  work. 

Young  horses  especially  should  be  given  trots  on 
soft  ground.    No  horse  should  be  galloped  on;  hard  roads. 

48 


HoRSK  Training  by  Modern  Methods.  49 

Soft  ground  means  tiirf  or  dirt  roads,  not  plowed  land 
or  stone-built  roads.  The  gallop  is  undertaken  outdoors 
only  when  the  horse  can  be  made  to  lead  from  either  foot. 

By  going  in  pairs  nervous  horses  do  not  fret  while 
outdoors,  as  much  as  though  alone.  It  is  likewise  bet- 
ter not  to  maintain  a  formation  in  ranks  while  outdoors, 
any  more  than  necessary,  in  order  to  prevent  the  new 
horses  from  acquiring  the  habit  of  going  in  ranks  and 
refusing  to  leave. 

During  the  last  part  of  outdoor  exercise  the  horse 
should)  be  walked  so  that  he  is  returned  to  tlie  stable 
breathing  normally. 


CHAPTER  VII. 


Suppling  Exercises  with  Body  Bent. 

Different  Kinds  of  Equitation. — When,  for  example, 
the  right  rein  and  left  leg  are  used  to  assist  each  other 
in  moving  the  haunches,  it  is  called  lateral  equitation. 
When  the  reinsi  place  the  forehand  and  the  legs  alone 
control  the  hindhand,  as,  for  example,  if  the  left  rein 
and  right  leg  are  used,  it  is  called  diagonal  equitation. 

.Lateral,  Equitation. 

The  followin(g  points  should  be  considered  during 
the  exercises  in  lateral  equitation: 

1.  One  step  taken  correctly  is  at  first  all  that  should 
be  expected  or  required. 

2.  As  the  movements  are  fatiguing,  they  should  at 
no  time  be  continued  more  than  a  few  seconds. 

3.  Horses  that  are  stiff  on  onle  particular  side 
should  be  suppled  by  exercises  to  that  side. 

50 


Horse:  Training  by  Mode:rn  Me:thods.  51 

4.  The  preceding  rule  applies  tO'  all  parts  of  the 
horse  except  the  neck.  If  the  neck  is  stiff  on  the  right 
side,  supple  it  by  exercises,  as  ''Shoulder  In"  (see  below), 
on  the  left  hand.     (Capt.  Short.) 

5.  The  movements  are  all  begun  at  a  walk  and, 
when  proficient  in  thettii,  are  executed  at  a  slow  trot. 

6.  When  the  movements  are  executed  on  a  circle, 
where  the  fore  quarters  are  on  one  circumference  and  the 
hind  quarters  either  on  a  larger  or  a  smaller  cicumfer- 
ence,  the  effect,  besides  being  on,e  of  suppling,  is  as  fol- 
lows :  When  the  haunches  are  on  a  smaller  circumfer- 
ence the  horse  tends  toward  collection,  his  hind  quarters 
tend  to  come  up  under  the  body,  and  it  is  a  good  move- 
ment for  a  horse  that  forges  ahead;  when  the  hind  quart- 
ers are  on  a  circle  of  greater  circumference  than  the  fore 
quarters  the  horse  tends  to  be  forced  up  into  the  bit  and 
to  stretch  out  behind,  hence  it  is  a  useful  movement  with 
sluggish  horses  or  horses  that  tend  to  get  behind  the  bit. 

7.  When  executiitg  any  of  the  following  exercisies, 
if  the  horse  fails  to  respond  to  the  action  of  both  legs 
and  does  not  go  up  into  the  bit,  cease  the  exercise  at  once 


52  Horse  Training  by  Modern  Methods. 

and  moive  straight  ahead  at  a  trot  or  gallop  and  do  not 
return  to  the  exercise  until  the  horse  is  again  into  the  bit. 

First  B.vcrcise  in  Suppling  the  Haunches. — This  les- 
son consists  in  abouts  on  the  forehand  while  marching. 
For  example,  marching  on  the  right  hand,  leave  the  track 
on  a  diagonal  (oblique)  and  return  to  it  by,  a  half  turn  to 
the  left  exacted  by  a  ve(ry  pronounced  action  of  the  left 
leg  and  left  rein.  This  strongly  marked  lateral  effect 
carries  the  horse's  haunthes  to  the  right ;  that  is  to  sa}', 
the  horse  while  still  gaining  ground  yields  to  the  effect 
of  the  leg  (and  left  rein),  and  thus  describes  a  half  turn. 
The  same  movement  is  executed  while  marching  on  the 
left  hand  and  the  horsfe  eventually  swings  the  haunches 
easily  about  the  forehand,  without  halting,  without  strik- 
ing the  fetlocks,  and  without  dancing.  (Notes  d'Bqui- 
tation.) 

The  commands  for  this  exercise  are: 

1.  .  Right  oblique. 

2.  March. 

1.  On  forehand. 

2.  Half  turnt  in  reverse. 

3.  March. 


Horse  Training  by  Modern  Methods.  53 

"Half  turn"  and  "reverse"  could,  in  this  case,  be 
expressed  "left  half  turn,"  but  "in  reverse"  has  partic- 
ular significance,  and  the  terms  should  be  retained  on 
that  account. 

Haunches  In. — This  movement  is  one  to  exact  obe- 
dience to  one  leg  while  marching. ,  It  continues  the  sup- 
pling of  the  hind  quarters  and  confirms  the  obedience 
to  the  leg.  It  should  be  undertaken  only  when  the  horse 
yields  readily  to  the  legs  in  previous  exercises. 

Marching  on  the  right  hand,  use  the  left  rein  of  op- 
position and  the  left  leg.  It  is  sufficient  if  the'  horse 
swings  his  haunches  to  the  right  so  that  the  left  hind 
foot  steps  on  a  line  passing  through  the  prints  of  the  right 
fore  foot.  The  left  rein  of  opposition  assists  the  action 
of  the  left  leg.  At  first  one  s(tep  is  sufficient  to  demand 
at  a  time.  Repeat  the  movement  several  times,  gradually 
demanding  more  steps  in  the  correct  position.  Never  de- 
mand the  movement,  at  any  one  time,  over  a  greater  dis- 
tance than  the  long  side  of  the  riding-hall.  The  follow- 
ing cautions  should  be  carefully  observed: 


54  Horse  Training  by  Modern  Methods. 

1.  Never  let  the  horse's  body  make  an  angle  of 
more  than  45  degrees  with  the  original  direction.  To 
prevent  this,  use  the  inside  leg. 

2.  Never  let  the  gait  diminish.  To  prevent  this, 
use  both  legs  when  necessary  to  demand  impulsion. 

3.  Do  not  lean  to  the  left  when  moving  to  the  right. 
The  weight  of  the  body  should  be  slightly  more  upon  the 
right  buttock  when  moving  to  the  right. 

4.  Do  not  let  the  right  rein  be  slack  when  moving 
to  the  right. 

Shoulder  In. — This  is  a  similar  exercise  to  haunches 
in,  but  more  difficult  and  more  useful. 

This  movement  supples  both  forehand  and  hindhan  ]. 

To  execute  the  movement  when  marching  on  the 
right  hand: 

First  use  the  right  open  rein  and  the  left  rein  of 
support,  the  fore  quarters  are  then  moved  off  the  track 
and  the  head  turned  to  the  right ;  the  right  leg  is  then  used 
to  push  the  mass  from  right  to  left  andl  the  left  1^  to 
receive  the  swinging  of  the  haunches  and  to  control  the 
impulsion. 


HoRSK  Training  by  Modern  Methods.  55 

Cautions  to  Be  Observed: 

1.  During  the  first  lessons,  after  the  fore  quarters 
have  been  moved  off  the  track,  to  f  aciHtate  the  movement 
along  the  track,  the  outside  rein  may  be  slightly  opened. 

2.  The  reins  prevent  the  lateral  flexion  of  the  neck 
at  the  shoulders  by  holding  the  head  firmly  between  them. 

3.  The  fore  quarters  are  sufficiently  removed  from 
the  track  if  the  left  fore  foot  and  right  hind  tr.ivel  along 
the  same  path  parallel  to  the  track. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


Diagonal  Equitation. 
Exercises  with  Body  Straight. 

General  Rules  for  Diagonal  Equitation : 

1.  Perfection  is  gained  when  the  body  of  the  horse 
from  the  poll  back  is  in  a  straight  line. 

2.  The  horse's  head  is  always  turned  slightly  at  the 
poll  to  enable  him  to  see  in  the  direction  he'  is  going. 

3.  The  reins  set  or  place  the  forehand. 

4.  The  legs  govern  the  hindhand. 

5.  The  green  horse  is  never  passaged  directly  to 
the  right  or  l^eft.  The  direction  of  motion  should  not 
be  more  than  45  degrees  from  the  direction  of  the  axis 
of  the  horse. 

Work  on  Tzvo  Tracks. — This  movement  consists  in 
displacing  the  horse  parallel  to  himself  in  a  direction  ob- 
lique to  that  of  his  axis^  the  front  and  hind  legs  describ- 

56 


Horse  Training  by  Modern  Methods.  57 

ing  four  parallel  tracks.     The  exterior  members  cross 
over  the  in|terior  ones. 

The  following  are  the  aids  in  order  to  move  a  horse 
on  two  tracks  to  the  right : 

1.  Both  legs,  if  sufficient  momentum  is  not  already 
obtained,  should  send  the  horse  up  into  the  bit  to  receive 
the  indications  of  the  reins. 

2.  The  right  direct  rein\  makes  the  horse  look  to  the 
side  toward  which  he  should  march,  and  by  throwing  the 
weight  slightly  tO'  the  right  begins  the  displacement  of 
the  center  of  gravity  towards  the  right.  The  left  rein 
of  support  acts  at  the  same  time  as  the  preceding,  to  in- 
sure the  lateral  displacement  of  the  forehand  to  the  right 
by  further  displacing  the  center  of  gravity. 

3.  The  left  leg,  at  this  moment,  becomes  prepond- 
erant in  order  to  direct  the  haunches  to  the  right,  while 
the  right  leg  acts  if  necessiary  to  limit  the  displacement 
of  the  haunches,  and  toi  oblige  the  horse  to  maintain  his 
gait  and  to  gain  ground  to  the  f  ron^:  as  well  as  to  the  side. 

4.  The  seat  is  displaced  towards  the  right  to  aid 
the  horse's  movement  to  that  side.     \De  Saint-Phalle.) 


58  Horse:  Training  by  Modern  Methods. 

The  following  are  exercisesi  on  two  tracks: 

1.  On  Tzvo  Tracks,  Haunches  In. — A  two-track 
movement  along  the  track,  with  the  head  to  the  wall,  in 
which  the  haunches  move  on  an  inside  track,  the  horse 
being  in  the  position  described  above  for  the  work  on  two 
tracks  and  being  governed  by  similar  aids. 

2.  On  Tzvo  Tracks,  Haunches  Out. — Same  as  above, 
except  the  croup  is  to  the  wall  and  the  fore  quarters  move 
on  an  inside  track,  the  hind  quarters  on  the  track. 

3.  On  Two  Tracks  on  the  Diagonal. — A  movement 
in  which  a  horse  moves  across  the  hall  on  the  diagonal 
on  two  tracks. 

4.  On  Two  Tracks  on  a  Circle. — Described  by  its 
name.  The  haunches  being  on  a  smaller  or  larger  cir- 
cle than  the  fore  quarters.  The  same  principles  apply 
in  each  case  as  described  for  work  on  two  tracks. 

Commands. 

For  First  Exercise. — i.  On  two  tracks.  2.  Haunch- 
es in.    3.  March. 


Horse:  Training  by  Modern  Methods.  59 

For  Second  Exercise. — i.  On  two  tracks.  2. 
Haunches  out.    3.    March. 

For  Third  Exercise. — i.  On  two  tracks.  2.  Right 
oblique.     3.     March. 

For  Fourth  Exercise. — i.  On  two  tracks.  2. 
Haunches  in  (or  out).  3.  March.  {Foot-note  to  Saii- 
mur  Notes.) 

About  on  the  Forehand  at  a  Halt. — To  execute  this 
movement  from  left  to  right  the  aids  are  as  follows : 

1.  Cari-y  the  weight  of  the  mass  over  the  shoulders 
by  the  equal  action  of  both  legs. 

2.  Just  as  the  horse  is  about  to  move  out,  close  the 
fingers  on  the  reins  and  pre^^ent  furdier  advance. 

3.  Usb  the  right  rein  of  support  to  bring  the  weight 
upon  the  left  shoulder. 

4.  Use  the  left  direct  rein  to  turn  the  horse's  head 
to  the  left  at  the  poll. 

5.  Use  the  left  leg  to  move  the  haunches  to  the 
right. 


6o  Horse  Training  by  Modern  Methods. 

6.  The  right  leg  remains  ready  to  maintain  the  ad- 
vanced position  of  the  center  of  gravity  and  Hkewise  to 
limit  the  ^movement  of  the  haunches  to  that  side. 

7,  The  seat  should  be  carried  to  the  right  to  facil- 
itate the  displacement  of  the  haunches  to  that  side. 

About  oil  the  Haunches. — This  movement  is  more 
difficult  than  the  about  on  the  forehand  and  should  be 
undertaken  only  after  the  work  on  two  tracks  is  well 
understood. 

The  movement  is  first  taught  by  moving  the  horse 
on  two  tracks  on  a/  small  circle;  for  example,  to  the  right, 
with  haunches  in. 

Gradually  decreas^e  the  diameter  of  the  circle  as  the 
horse  becomes  proficient.  As  the  circle  becomes  smaller 
change  the  direction  of  the  rein  so  that  the  direction  of 
the  pull  is  toward  the  right  haunch  to  weight  the  latter 
down.  Likewise  increase  the  pressure  of  the  left  leg  un- 
til it  is  sufficient  to  prevent  little  by  little  any  movement 
on  the  part  of  the  haunches.  The  circle  then  is  finally 
diminished  soi  that  the  movement  is  that  of  a  circle  on 
the  part  of  the  forehand  about  the  right  hind  leg  as  a 


Horse:  Training  by  Mode:rn  Me:thods.  6i 

pivot.  If  the  movement  should  be  about  the  left  hind 
leg,  or  outside  leg,  as  a  pivot,  it  becomes  a  retrograde 
movement,  which  is  liable  to  put  the  horse  behind  the  bit. 

The  Gallop. — Heretofore  the  gallop  has  been  under- 
taken merely  as  a  means  of  exercise  to  strengthen  and 
stretch  out  the  horse  and  to  teach  him  a  Httle  in  balanc- 
ing himself  by  the  usie  of  his  legs.  Noi  attention  was 
paid  at  first  to  the  leads;  later  a  little  lateral  equitation 
was  used  to  partially  insure  the  correct  )ead. 

A  horse  is  leading  correctly  when  the  right  laterals 
(right  front  and  right  hind)  are  in  advance  of  the  left 
laterals,  when  turning!  to  the  right.  This  is  called  "lead- 
ing right."  A  horse  is  gallopin)g  disunited  when  lie  i^i 
gallopirug  one  way  in  front  and  another  way)  in  rear. 

On)  small  circles  or  sudden  turns  of  direction  a  horse 
is  liable  t6  fall  if  not  leading  correctly. 

The  Right  Lead. — To  require  a  horse  to  lead  to  the 
right,  the  aids  are: 

I.  Weight  of  the  body  to  the  left,  weight  in  left 
stirrup  in  order  to  weight  down  the  left  haunch. 


62  HoRSK  Training  by  Mode:rn  Me:thods. 

2.  Use  of  the  left  leg  to  cause  the  haunches  to  be 
displaced  to  the  right,  consequently  requiring  the  right 
lateral  to  pass  the  left. 

3.  U;se  the  right  leg  to  join  its  action  to  that  of 
the  left  to  give  the  nJpcessar}^  impulsion  and  to  receive 
the  haiuiches  and  prevent!  their  being  moved  too  far  to 
the  right. 

The  horse  being  driven  by  the  legs  up  into  the  bit, 
is  received  by  the  reins  in  the  following  manner: 

4.  Right  rein-  of  support  exerted  in  a  direction  to- 
ward the  left  shoulder  to  weight  the  latter,  for  it  must 
be  slowed  down ;  at  the  same  time  this  movement  frees 
the  right  shoulder  and  allows  it  to  extend  itself.  The 
horse  is  made  to  slightly  turn  the  head  to  the  right  at 
the  poll  in  order  that  he  may  see  in  the  direction  in  which 
he  is  going.* 


'''Note. — For  paragraphs  4  and  5  the  following  paragraphs, 
showing  a  method  of  using  the  reins,  may  he  substituted. 
This  method  is  taught  by  some  of  the  best  authorities  in  our 
service.  It  certainly  can  be  reasoned  out  as  well  as  that  men- 
tioned above,  it  is  more  easy  to  put  in  practice  and  produces  re- 
sults in  a  scientific  manner. 

"i.     Use  the  left  direct  rein  to  weight  the  left  shoulder. 


Horse:  Training  by  Modern  Methods.  63 

5.  Left  direct  rein  corroborates  the  action  of  the 
right  and  keeps  the  neck  straight.      {De  Saint-Phalle.) 

6.  If  the  gallop  is  taken  from  the  trot  while  post- 
ing, rising  with  the  right  diagonal  assists  the  right  lead. 
Rising  from  the  left  diagonal  assists  the  left  lead. 

When  perfection)  is  attained,  the  horse  does  not  per- 
ceptibly swing  his  haunches  to  the  right  or  left. 


"2.  Exert  sufficient  pressure  on  the  right  rein  to  keep  the 
head  from  being  turned  to  the  left,  so  that  the  horse  may  see 
where  he  is  going,  and  at  the  same  time  raise  the  right  hand 
slightly  to  assist  in  Hghtening  the  weight  on  the  right  shoulder, 
thereby  assisting  to  free  it." 


CHAPTER  IX. 


Backing. 

This  exercise  is  a  suppling  one  for  back  and  haunch- 
es, and  is  especially  applicable  to  horses  who  have  diffi- 
culty in  bringing  the  hin|d  legs  under  the  body.  It  is  an 
exercise  which  to  the  unskillful  is  dangerous,  as  it  tends 
to  put  a  horse  behind  the  bit.  To  the  skillful  it  is  of 
course  less  dangerous^  yet  it  should  not  be  undertaken 
by(  either  until  this  point  in  the  education  of  the  horse 
is  reached,  provided  he  be  normal.  With  horses  that  are 
very  difficult  to  hold,  or  are  continually  bolting,  backing 
exercises  may  be  undertaken  earlier  in  the  training. 

The  movement  may  be  advanjtageously  taught  dis- 
mounted at  first. 

Teaching  the  Backward  Movement,  Dismounted: — 
The  trainer  stands  facing  the  horse.  He  takes  the  reins 
one  in  each  hand  and  slightly  lowers  the  head  to  relieve 
the  weight  on  the  hind  quarters.    He  then  makes  a  slight 

64 


Horse:  Training  by  Modern  Methods.  65 

movement  with  his  hands  towards  his  own  body,  suffi- 
cient tO'  prepare  the  horse  to  move  forward.  As  the 
horse  is  about  to  move  out  the  trainer  presses  directly 
toward  the  horse  with  the  bit  until  the  horse  takes  a  step 
to  the  rear.    One  step  at  first  is  sufficient. 

After  a  few  lessons  of  this,  the  trainer  steps  to  the 

■ 

left  side  of  the  horse,  with  the  reins  in  the  left  hand,  the 
riding-whip  in  the  right.  He  stimulates  the  hind  quart- 
ers with  a  light  touch  of  the  whip,  and  as  the  horse  starts 
to  move  his  hind  quarters  up  under  his  body  he  urges 
him  to  take  a  step  to  the  rear  by  the  pressure  of  the  bit. 
As  soon  as  he  takes  a  step  or  two  as  desired,  he  leads  him 
forward. 

Mounted. — When,  the  horse  can  perform  the  last 
exercise  well,  mount  him.  Use  the  aids  requij'ed  to 
move  the  horse  to  the  front;  then,  just  as  he  is  about  to 
move  outj  increase  the  pressure  of  the  reins  and  lean 
slightly  back  until  the  hors'e  steps  to  the  rear.  As  soon 
as  the  horse  at  first  has  taken  a  single  step  to  the  rear  he 
should  be  moved  straight  to  the  front.  Later  several 
steps  to  the  rear  may  be  required,  but  a  movement  to  the 

5 


66  Horse  Training  by  Modern  Me^thods. 

front  always  follows  the  last  step.  If  difficulty  is  at  any 
time  encountered  in  moving  the  horse  forward  after  the 
backward  movement,  backing  should  cease  as  an  exercise 
until  the  horse  is  sent  up  into  the  bit  again. 

If  the  horse  sets  himself,  move  him  forward  a  step 
or  two,  and  as  he  is  moving  exert  the  aids  for  the  back- 
ward movement  until  he  obeys.  Moving  a  horse's 
haunches  laterally  will  help  to  prevent  a  horse  from  set- 
ting himself  and  refusing  to  back. 

This  exercise  should  not  be  repeated  often  in  a  sin- 
gle day.  '        , 


PART  II. 


CHAPTER  I. 


The:  Doubi^e  Bridi^e;. 

The  horse  that  can  perform  successfully  the  fore- 
going exercises,  that  has  found  his  balance  while  moving 
forward,  that  is  easy  to  control  by  the  aids  at  the  walk 
and  trot,  and  that  has  learned  the  use  of  his  legs  in  ac- 
complishing a  good  walk,  trot,  and  gallop,  is  ready  for 
the  double  bridle.  It  normally  takes  about  three  months 
to  accomplish  this. 

Definition. — The  double  bridle  is  one  with  usually 
four  cheek  straps,  which  fasten,  one  into  the  eye  of  the 
curb  bit.  the  other  into  the  ring  of  the  snaffle  bit. 

The  curb  bit  is  nearer  the  front  of  the  horse's  mouth 
than  the  snaffle,  and  the  curb  chain  likewise  passes  in 
front  of  the  snaffle  bit. 

67 


68  Horse:  Training  by  Modern  Methods. 

The  Severity  of  the  Curb  Bit  Increases — 

1.  With  the  difference  between  the  length  of  the 
upper  and  lower  branches. 

2.  With  the  tightness  of  the  curb  chain. 

3.  With  the  height  of  the  port. 

4.  Inversely  witli!  the  size  of  the  canons.  {De 
Saint-Phalle.) 

Bits  with  branches  similar  in  length  to  the  U.  S.  reg- 
ulation bit  are  arranged  below  in  order  of  mildness: 

1.  The  broken  curb  bit.  (Like  a  snaffle  bit,  but 
with  upper  and  lower  branches  and  curb  chain.) 

2.  Rubber-  and  leather-covered  bits. 

3.  The  straight  bar  bit. 

4.  The  regulation  bit. 

Kinds.— "Th^  ''Weymouth"  or  "Pump"  bit  is  quite 
universally  used  for  polo.  Why  it  is  considered  effica- 
cious for  polo  especially  is  not  known.  It  is  a  good  bit, 
except  the  lips  are  liable  to  become  pinched. 

The  "Pelham"  is  a  bit  provided  with  ring's  for  the 
snaffle  rein  at  the  junction  of  the  canon  with  the  branch- 
es.    The  action  of  the  curb  rein|s  on  this  bit  does  not 


HoRSK  Training  by  Modern  Methods.  69 

produce  the  same  effect,  when  the  snaffle  reins  are  used 
at  the  same  time,  as  it  does  on  a  curb  bit,  where  the  snaf- 
fle reins  are  attached  to  a  separate  snaffle  bit. 

It  isi  a  general  rule  to  follow,  that  all  complicated 
bits  are  useless,  and  that  with  a  well-trainied  horse  the 
mildest  bit  that  will  insure  obedience  is  the  correct  one. 

Schedule  eor  Accustoming  the  Horse  to  the 

Curb  Bit. 

The  reins  are  held  in  both  hands,  snaffle  rein?  out- 
side the  little  fingers. 

1.  Use  the  curb  bit  without  curb  chain  until  the 
horse  becomes  accustomed  to  it. 

2.  Use  the  mildest  bit  available  and  fasten  the  curb 
chain  loosely.  At  first  only  move  on  straight  lines  until 
the  horse  takes  the  bit  quietly,  then  execute  simple  ex- 
ercises in  which  the  horse  is  proficient.  These  exercises 
at  first  are  begun  on  the  snaffle  bit. 

3.  Use  the  bit  best  adapted  to  the  horse,  and  set 
the   curb   chain   to  keep  the   bit   from    falling   through. 


70  Horse:  Training  by  Modern  Methods. 

Work  maiqly  on  the  snaffle  bit  until  the  horse  becomes 
accustomed  tO'  the  bit  and  curb  chain. 

The  preceding  movements  should  be  begun  at  first 
at  a  slow  gait. 

Use. — The  curb  bit  is  used  primarily,  in  training,  to 
lower  the  head,  to  flex  the  jaw,  and  to  bring  the  nose  in 
towards  the  body. 

The  sniffle  bit  raises  the  head  and  supports  the  horse. 

A  curb  bit  will  not  stop  a  horse  that  makes  up  his 
mind  to  bolt; 

A  curb  bit  roughly  used  may  cause  a  horse  to  make 
up  his  mind  to  bolt. 

A  "hard  mouth"  is  often  a  tender  mouth  accustomed 
to  hard  hands. 

The  Curb  Bit  "Gathers"  the  Horse. — A  horse  is 
gathered  when  his  head  and  neck  are  well  raised,  the 
front  line  of  the  face  nearly  vertical,  ankl  the  jaw  and 
the  junction  of  the  head  and  neck  at  the  poll  flexible. 

A  hors(e  in  a  state  of  ''collection"  is  in  a  position  to 
obey,  to  the  utmost  of  his  capability,  any  demands  the 
aids  may  give. 


Horse  Training  by  Modern  Methods.  71 

A  horse  is  in  "collection"  when  he  is  gathered  and 
his  hind  legs  are  well  up  under  the  body. 

When  a  hoTse  is  collected,  the  rider,  by  having  omit- 
ted bending  the  neck  near  the  shoulders  during  training, 
has  the  neck  fioii  on  the  shoulders  and  not  flexible  or 
*' rubber-necked."  Henpe  the  rider  acts  on  the  neck 
through  the  mouth  and  on  the  shoulders  through  the 
neck.  The  hind  quarters  by  being  under  the  horse  bind 
themselves  to  the  forehand.  The  rider  then  by  acting 
on  the  forehand  acts  likewise  upon  the  hind  quarters. 

The  entire  body  of  the  horse  should  be,  if  properly 
collected,  an  energetic  and  harmonious  whole.  The 
horse  is  "in  hand/'  because  his  jaw  is,  flexible  and  he 
yields  to  the  effects  of  the  bit.  The  horse  is  light  or 
handy,  because  he  is  balanlced  by  continual  training  and 
because  his  center  of  gravity  is  equally  near  both  front 
and  hind  quarters ;  hence  the  proper  movement  on  the 
part  of  the  rider  will  disturb!  this  balance  hi  any  direc- 
tion desired. 

The  rider  at  this  point,  being;  supposed  to  be  able  to 
get  the  hind  legs  up  under  the  horse,  must  learn  to  gath- 
er him. 


"^2.  Horse  Training  by  Modern  Methods. 

To  gather  the  horse  involves : 

1.  Direct  flexion  (the  flexion  of  the  jaw  and  head 
in  the  directioiil  of  the  axis  of  the  horse.) 

2.  Lateral  flexion  (the  flexion  of  the  neck  at  the 
poll  in  a  direction  perpendicular  to  the  axis  of  the  horse). 

Direct  Flexion. — Direct  flexion  is  the  concession  the 
head  and  lower  jaw  of  the  horse  make  in  the  vertical 
plane  of  the  axis,  of  the  horse  when  the  action  of  the 
reins  arrests  the  extension  of  the  neck.  The  giving  of  the 
neck  is  confined  to  the  upper  portion^.;  the  front  line  of 
the  face  is  made  to  approach  a  vertical  line  and  the  head 
is  made  to  make  in  an  almost  imperceptible  manner  a 
movement  analogous  to  a  nod. 

The  giving  of  the  jaw  consists  in  opening  the  mouth, 
causing  complete  abandon  of  the  bit,  followed  immediate- 
ly by  the  closing  of  the  mouth  auKl  the  taking  up  of  con- 
tact with  the  bit  again. 

To  flex  the  jaw  in  direct  flexion,  first  start  the  Korse 
into  a  walk.  Never  let  the  gait  slacken  during  flexion. 
Close  the  legs.  When  the  horse)  goes  up  into  the  bit, 
close  one  hand  on  one  snaftle  rein   (if  the  movement  is 


HoRSK  Training  by  Modern  Me:thods.  73 

done  with  a  snaffle  bit),  or  close  the  hand  on  both  curb 
reins.  Do  not  make  the  pressure  of  long  duration  if  re- 
sistance is  encoun/tered.  Alternate  the  action,  first  by- 
releasing,  then  increasing  the  pressure.  This  is  more 
uncomfortable  to  the  horse  than  continued  pressure,  and 
he  will  soon  yield. 

The  head  is  flexed  in\  direct  flexion  so  that  it  is  set 
with  the  front  line  of  the  face  nearly  vertical  by  the  action 
of  both  curb  reins.  The  head  and  neck  are  raised  by  the 
snaffle  bit,  should  they  be  lowered  too  much. 

Lateral  Flexion. — Lateral  flexion  is  a  concession 
which  the  head  and  neck  make  by  turning  the  head  to 
the  right  or  to  the  left  when  an  opposing  action  of  the 
reins  stops  an  extension  of  the  neck.  The  jaw  gives 
in  lateral  flexion  as  in  direct  flexion,.  The  neck  gives  by 
making  the  head  make  a  turn  of  a  quarter  of  a  circle  to 
the  right  or  left  at  the  poll. 

Lateral  flexion  should  be  demanded,  in  the  begin- 
ning, at  the  walk.  To  obtain  it,  to  the  right,  for  exam- 
ple :  first,  resistanice  must  be  offered  by  the  right  direct 
rein,  which  leads  the  head  into  the  desired  position ;  the 


74  HoRSK  Training  by  Modern  Methods. 

left  rein  then  acts  to*  limit  this  movement  and  to  work 
together  with  the  right  rein  to  obtain  the  concession  of 
the  jaw. 

Flexion  may  be  made  dismounted,  if  absolutely  im- 
possible of  execution  mounted. 

Direct  Flexion  Dismounted. — Stand  on  the  near  side 
of  the  horsic.  Take  the  snaffle  reins  off  the  neck  over 
the  horse's  head  and  hold  them  a  few  injches  in  front  of 
his  head  with  the  left  hand.  Urge  the  horse  forward 
into  a  walk  and  raise  the  head  slightly  to  the  proper  ele- 
vation with  the  snaffle  reins.  When  the  horse  moves  out 
at  the  walk,  take  the  curb  reins  in  the  right  hand  and  as- 
similate the  movement  of  the  reins  as  though  flexing  the 
jaw  mounted.  Do  not  let  the  horse  slacken  speed  or,  at 
any  cost,  back  up. 

Lateral  Flexion  Dismounted. — Stand  on  the  near 
side,  with  the  snaffle  rein  held  as  for  direct  flexion.  Ex- 
ecute direct  flexion  and  when  performed  lead  the  horse's 
head  to  the  right  with  a  snaffle  rein,  increasing  the  pres- 
sure of  the  right  curb  rein  slightly  until  the  head  is  turned 
to  the  right  at  the  poll.    Do  not  let  the  horse  move  back- 


HoRSK  Training  by  Modkrn  Methods.  75 

ward,  nior  let  the  neck  flex  in  rear  of  the  poll.  The  max- 
imum movement  of  the  head  is  over  an  arc  of  a  circle 
of  90  degrees. 


¥ 


CHAPTER  II. 


The:  Change  oe  Lkad  at  thk  Gai,i,op. 

This  movement  is  to  be  imdertaken  when  the  horse 
is  capable  of  taking  the  desired  lead  from  a  trot  on  a 
straight  line. 

1.  Put  the  horsei  on  a  circle  of  large  radius,  at 
a  gallop.  Leave  the  circle  by  a  line  parallel  to  the  diag- 
onal of  the  ridinjg-hall  and  form  another  large  circle  to 
the  opposite  hand,  keeping  the  same  lead  at  the  gallop 
as  on  the  firsl^  circle.  Galloping  on  the  second  circle  with 
the  same  leadi  as  on  the  first  is  galloping  "false."  Be- 
sidCvSr  lowering  the  croup  and  balaii^cing  the  horse,  the 
false  lead  impresses  the  aids  upon  the  horse,  because  to 
maintain  a  false  lead  the  aids  used'  on  the  first  circle 
must  be  more  strongly  used  on  the  second. 

2.  Gallop  the  horse  on  a  straight  line,  leading  right. 
Bring  him  down  to  a  trot,  previously  having  changed 
the  aids  to  gallop  left,  which  assists  in  bringing  the  horse 

76 


Horse:  Training  by  Modern  Methods.  ^^ 

to  the  trot  anfcl  prepares,,  the  way  for  the  next  move.  As 
soon  as  the  trot  is  taken,  increase  the  aids  of  gallop  left, 
increase  the  impulsion,  and  setnd  the  horse  into  gallop 
left,  with  only  a  few  steps  of  the  tret  intervening  be- 
tween gallops.  Gradually,  as  the  horse  becomes  profi- 
cient, decrease  the  number  of  steps  taken  at  the  trot. 

3.  When  the  amount  of  trot  required  between 
changes  of  lead  is  hardly  more  than  a  slackening  of 
speed,  or  "half  halt,"  make  a  large  circle  to  the  right  at 
the  gallop,  leading  right.  Leave  the  circle  on  the  diag- 
onal, as  before,  and  make  another  circle  to  the  left,  hold- 
ing the  right  lead.  Change  the  aids,  while  on  the  second 
circle,  to  gallop  left,  without  coming  to  the  trot,  and  force' 
the  horse  into  the  change  of  lead. 

4.  When  the  horse  can  accomplish  the  above,  at- 
tempt the  change  of  aids  and  force  the  char^ge  of  lead  on 
the  straight  line  without  diminishing  the  gait. 

The  above  movements  are  very  difficult  to  accom- 
plish smoothly  and  correctly.  The  change  of  aids  must 
not  be  accomplished  roughly  and  the  aids  must  be  used 
with  only  the  intensity  required  to  change  the  lead,  there- 
by not  forcing  the  horse  to  increase  of  speed. 


PART  III. 


CHAPTER  I. 


Jumping. 

Jumping  is  an  exercise  which  when  properly  under- 
taken is  most  instructive  and  productive  of  good  results 
to  both  man  and  horse. 

Mkchanism  of  the  Jump  for  Height. 
(Jumping  from  the  Gallop  Left.) 

1.  As  the  left  fore  foot  is  about  to  leave  the  ground, 
just  before  the  moment  of  suspension  of  the  gallop,  the 
leg,  especially  the  fetlock  joint,  is  straightened. 

2.  The  head  and  neck  are  elevated. 

The  above  movement  raises  the  forehand. 

3.  Just  as  the  left  foot  is  raised  the  two  hind  legs 
are  brought  up  to  a  place  on  the  ground  about  where  the 
left  fore  foot  was. 

78 


Horse  Training  by  Modi:rn  Me^thods.  79 

4.  The  hind  legs  are  straightened  out. 

Due  to  the  last  movement,  the  horse  completely 
leaves  the  ground  and  takes  the  obstacle,  with  fore  and 
hind  legs  ben^. 

5.  The  horse  lands  on  the  left  fore  foot,  legs 
straight. 

6.  The  right  fore  foot,  leg  straight,  is  then  brought 
to  the  support. 

7.  The  left  fore  foot  is  picked  up. 

8.  The  right  fore  foot  is  picked*  up  and  simulta- 
neously the  left  hind  comes  to  the  ground. 

9.  The  right  hind  comes,  to  the  ground. 

The  horse  then  is  galloping  right  after  landing. 

The  horse  leaps  from  a  trot  from  one  front  leg  and 
both  hind  legs.  The  leap  is  more  difficult,  as  it  is  im- 
possible at  a  trot  to  get  both  hind  legs  side  by  side  up 
under  the  body  to  "take  oflf." 

From  the  walk  and  halt,  the  horse  in  jumping  first 
rears,  then  straightens  out  his  hind  legs. 

As  jumping  for  height  at  a  gallop  is  the  easiest  for 
a  horse,  and  as  the  principles  encountered  apply  equally 


8o  Horse:  Training  by  Modern  Methods. 

well  to  the  other  gaits,  the  following  deductions  are  made 
from  the  mechandsm  at  the  gallop,  as  explained  in  pre- 
vious paragraphs. 

From  Paragraph  i :  As  the  distance  from  the  jump 
to  the  place  where  the  left  leg  leaves  the  ground  is  of  the 
utmost  importance  to  the  horse,  he  should  be  allowed 
to  gauge  his  stride  while  approaching  the  jump. 

From  Paragraph  2 :  As  the  head  and  neck  are 
raised  to  assist  in  raising  the  fore  quarters,  the  rider's 
body  should  not  lean  forward  of  the  perpendicular,  for 
this  would  hinder  the  movement.  As  the  horse's  object 
is  to  lighten  the  fore  quarters,  it  follows  that  great  speed 
is  a  detriment  to  a  horse  in  jumping,  for  the  more  speed 
the  more  weight  upon  the  forehand.  Raising  the  head 
and  neck  necessitates  lengthening  the  reins  at  the  moment 
of  extension,  or  letting  them  slide  through  the  fingers. 
It  followsi  then,  that,  as  a  false  movement  of  the  hand 
with  a  severe  bit  causes  greater  injury  than  one  with  a 
snaffle  bit,  a  snaffle  bit  should  be  used  in  jumping  until 
proficiency  is  obtained. 


Horse  Training  by  AIodern  Methods.  8i 

From  Paragraph  3 :  To  facilitate  the  bringing  well 
up  under  the  body  of  the  hind  leg,  the  rider's  legs  must 
be  carried  back. 

From  Paragraph  5  :  The  weight  of  the  rider's  bod)' 
must  set  to  thq  rear  to  assist  the  horse  by  ligh.tening  the 
load  on  the  forehand  while  landing.  If  a  severe  bit  or 
a  hard  hand  pulls  the  head  in  and  bends  the  neck  while 
the  horse  is  in  this  position,  by  cramping  the  muscles  of 
the  neck  the  horse  is  prevented  from  stretching  his  legs 
to  the  front  to  insure  a  safe  landing. 

From  paragraph  7:    If  the  rider's  weight  is  forward 

or  he  is  thrown  upon  the  horse's  neck  while  the  horse  is 

« 

landing,  the  extra  weight  on,  the  forehand  prevents  the 
fore  leg  being  ])icked  up  and  causes  over-reaching.  Ex- 
treme speed  h'ls  the  same  effect  with  the  same  result. 

From  Paragraphs  8  and  9:  It  is  seen  that  the  horse 
is  galloping  with  the  other  lead  after  landing.  In  jump- 
ing in  the  riding-hall  care  should  be  exercised  at  the  cor- 
ner beyond  the  jump  if  at  the  gallop,  for,  if  galloping 
correctly  at  the  start,  the  horse  is  galloping  false  after 
T  the  jump. 


82  HoRSK  Training  by  Modi^rn  ^Methods. 

Teaching  the  Horse  to  Jiniij^. — Place  a  bar  upon  the 
ground  and  lead  the  horse  over  it  at  a  walk.  When  the 
horse  executes  this  movement  correctly,  raise  the  bar  to 
about  two  feet  and  jump  the  horse  upon  the  longe. 

To  Jump  a  Horse  on  the  Longe: — First  instruct  the 
horse  sufficiently  upon  the  longe  until  he  goes  ec|ually 
well  on  either  haiKl.  Approach  the  jnmp,  the  horse  cir- 
cling on  the  longe  on  the  left  hand,  for  instance.  The 
trainer  holds  the  longe  in  the  left  hand,  so  that  it  can  be 
allowed  to  run  out  with  ease ;  the  longeing-whip  is  held 
in  the  right  hand.  Circle  the  horse  near  the  jump  until 
the  horse  goeS'  quietly.  The  circles  are  made  slightly  in 
rear  of  the  jump.  When  the  horse  is  quiet,. move  so  that 
the  jump  will  intercept  the  circle  the  horse  is  making. 
As  the  horse  approaches  the  jump  the  trainer,  with  the 
longe  fairly  taut,  likewise  approaches  the  end  of  the  bar 
nearest  him,  keeping  the  longeing-whip  held  in  rear  of 
the  horse.  Urge  the  horse  with  the  whip,  if  necessary, 
until  he  jumps.  After  taking  off,  let  the  longe  run 
through  the  fingers  so  as  not  to  yank  the  horse  or  bring 


Horse  Training  by  ATodkrn  Methods.  83 

him  up  short.  When  the  horse  does  well,  stop  him  and 
caress  him  or  give  him  carrots  or  oats. 

Jumping  should  be  begun  at  first  at  the  walk,  then 
at  the  trot  and  gallop.  The  horse  jumping  for  the  first 
time  gauges  his  stride  more  easily  at  the  walk. 

A  bar  may  be  placed  two  or  three  feet  from  the 
ground  in  the  opening  of  the  corral  fence,  etc.,  so  that 
the  horses  that  have  been  worked  at  jumping  on  the 
longe  may  be  thus  intercepted  by  an  easy  jump  on  their 
way  to\  the  corral  or  to  some  such  place  to  which  they 
are  desirous  of  going.  A  man  with  a  longeing  -  whip 
stands  ready  to  urge  on  any  that  refuse.  This  jump 
should  be  stiff  and  helps  to  prepare  horses '  for  outdoor 
jumping. 

Riding  the  Horse  Over  fJie  Jump. — The  horse  being 
able  to  jump  with  sufficient  accuracy,  on  the  longe^  is 
mounted.  First,  he  is  ridden  over  the  bar  on  the  ground, 
then  over  the  bar  gradually  raised  to  suit  the  horse. 

On  taking  a  horse  up  to  the  jump  the  following  are 
essential  points  to  rememl)er : 


84  Horse  Training  by  Modern  Methods. 

1.  The  rider  must  make  up  his  mind  that  he  is  go- 
ing to  make  the  horse  jump. 

2.  He  must  have  confidence  in  his  balance  and  not 
stiffen  his  muscles. 

3.  He  must  increase  the  grip  with  his  knees  and 
tlie  calves  of  his  legs  and  keep  his,  hands  low, 

4.  The  rider  must  have  the  horse  well  in  band  and 
must  remember  that  if  a  horse  attempts  to  slip  out  to 
the  left,  the  use  of  the  right  rein,  to  turn  the  head  to  the 
right,  helps  the  horse  to  go  to  the  left  by  freeing  the  left 
shoulder.  The  rein  of  support  is  the  one  which  should 
be  used,  together  with  whichever  leg  will  straighten  the 
horse  so  that  he  is  perpendicular  to  his  jump. 

Horses  are  more  easily  controlled  in  the  riding-hall, 
l)ut  jump  with  more  freedom  outdoors.  Outdoor  jump- 
ing should  be  taken  up  as  soon  as  the  hoi'se  learns  to 
jump  moderately  well  indoors. 

Wings  are  not  found  in  'crosis-country  work,  hence 
a  troops  horse  wdiose  training  is  fitting  him  for  just  such 
work  should  not  be  made  dependent  upon  them  by  their 
use  in  the  riding-hall  all  the  time. 


HoRSK  Training  by  Modern  Methods.  85 

Jiunping  for  Breadth. — This  is  a  more  difficult  jump 

to  teach  a  new  horse,  because  he  is  more  fearful  of  a 

ditch  than  of. a  fence.     From  the  nature  of  the  jump,  it 

can  only  be  taught  outdoors.     The  method  of  instruction 

f  is  the  same  as  for  jumping  for  height. 

As  the  momentum  acquired  by  speed'  is  essential  to 
carry  the  horse's  body  across  an  open  ditch,  greater  speed 
is  necessary  than  in  jumping  for  height.  Excessive 
speed,  however,  so  weights  down  the  forehand  that  it 
becomes  difficult  for  the  horse  to  raise  his  forehand 
sufficiently  to  clear  the  ditch. 

CONCLUSION. 


Although  all  horses  are  different  one  from  another, 
the  preceding  rules  generally  apply.  The  rider  who  ap- 
preciates the  needs  of  his  horse  is^.  the  one  most  likely  to 
succeed  in  training. 

To  many,  the  expenditure  of  six  months  in  training 
troop  horses  by  these  methods  seems  unnecessary  and 
impracticable.     With    experienced    men    and    amenable 


86  Horse  I^rainixg  by  Modern  Methods. 

liorses  the  time  may  be  slightly  reduced.  A  horse  can- 
not be  hurried,  and  slipshod,  careless  training  is  often 
worse  than  none. 

As  it  has  been  found  entirely  practical  to  follow  out 
this  course  with  enlisted  men  on  remounts  at  a  regi- 
mental post,  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  he(avy,  hard-gaited, 
uncomfortable  horses  to  ride  will  soon  disappear  from 
the  ranks. 


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